Brooks Launch 12 review
Best for: Light and lively on a budget · Budget
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Pros
- Low price
- Light and responsive
- Breathable upper
- Works for tempo runs
Cons
- Less cushioned
- Only one width
- Firmer for long runs
Full review
The Launch has long been Brooks's value-priced speedier shoe, and the 12th version stays true to that idea. It costs noticeably less than the Ghost 18, yet it keeps a light and lively feel. Retailers list the men's weight at 8.8 oz, which is close to 250 g, and an 8 mm drop.
The midsole is nitrogen-infused DNA Flash, using version 1 in the heel and version 2 in the forefoot for a bit more spring. Brooks does not give a consistent stack figure, but the shoe sits lower than Brooks's cushioned models.
The mesh upper is soft and breathable, and RoadTrack rubber covers the outsole. Only Regular width is listed, so people with wider feet may prefer the Ghost.
It works for runners who want a lighter shoe for tempo days or a cheap everyday option. Long-distance runners and heavier runners who need more cushioning will be happier in the Ghost 18 or Glycerin 23.
Full specifications
| Type | Lightweight trainer |
|---|---|
| Best for | Budget daily runs and tempo |
| Weight (brand) | About 250 g (8.8 oz, men's) |
| Cushioning / foam | Nitrogen-infused DNA Flash (v1 heel, v2 forefoot) |
| Stack heel / forefoot | Not stated |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Support | Neutral |
| Plate / stiffener | None |
| Upper | Soft breathable mesh |
| Outsole | RoadTrack rubber |
| Width options | Regular |
Spec check note: Brooks's page was not accessible. Retailers list 8.8 oz and an 8 mm drop; stack heights differ between listings, so the stack is marked not stated.
Specifications checked against: Fleet Feet (retailer) listing
How it compares with its rivals
| Feature | Brooks Launch 12 | Brooks Ghost 18 | Brooks Glycerin 23 | Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 | Brooks Cascadia 20 | Brooks Ghost Max 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Light and lively on a budget | Reliable everyday running | Plush long and easy runs | Support for overpronators | Tough, stable trail running | Comfort for walking and easy runs |
| Price band | Budget | Mid-range | Upper mid-range | Mid-range | Upper mid-range | Mid-range |
| Type | Lightweight trainer | Daily trainer | Cushioned daily trainer | Stability daily trainer | Rugged trail shoe | Max-cushion road shoe |
| Best for | Budget daily runs and tempo | Everyday road miles | Long and easy runs, recovery | Daily runs and walking with support | Rough trails, hiking, wet ground | Road walking, easy runs |
| Weight (brand) | About 250 g (8.8 oz, men's) | 289 g (10.2 oz, men's) | About 300 g (10.6 oz, men's) | Not stated | About 300 g (10.5-10.8 oz, men's) | 292 g (men's UK 8) |
| Cushioning / foam | Nitrogen-infused DNA Flash (v1 heel, v2 forefoot) | Nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 | Nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned | DNA Loft v3 | Not stated | DNA Loft v3 |
| Stack heel / forefoot | Not stated | 36 / 26 mm | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | 40 / 34 mm (brand) |
| Drop | 8 mm | 10 mm | 8 mm | Not stated | 6 mm | 6 mm |
Prices in every region
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Prices include VAT where the shop shows it and may have changed since we checked. Delivery costs and stock vary by country, so check on the shop's site before you buy.
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